Are you wondering how to sterilize your menstrual cup without boiling it? Well you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ll go through various cup cleaning methods without boiling, so that you can experience clean and worry-free periods with your menstrual cup.
Why is it important to sterilize your menstrual cup?
Menstrual cup disinfection is a very important step to using your cup. Sterilizing your cup ensures that it doesn’t carry any germs or bacteria that can damage the cup or harm your body once it’s inserted.
While boiling your cup before and after your cycle kills 100% bacteria, there are other ways that you can sterilize it to use safely. So let’s learn about that!
1. Use the Asan OneDrop Cleanser
Another great menstrual cup cleaning alternative is to use Asan’s OneDrop cleanser.
The OneDrop menstrual cup cleanser has been formulated by scientists to gently clean your cup. It is fragrance and chemical free - so it won’t harm your cup or your body.
All you need to do is use a few drops of the cleanser on your cup and then you can rinse it with tap water. The OneDrop cleanser kills 99% of bacteria and also helps remove odours and stains from your cup.
2. Use hot water from your shower
A good non-boiling cup sterilization technique includes using hot water from your shower.
Simply fill up a mug of hot water from the bathroom and keep your cup in it for 5-10 minutes. This chemical-free cup sterilization method is completely safe and easy.
3. UV sterilization for menstrual cups
There are many brands that make UV menstrual cup sterilizers - which kills 99.9% of bacteria on your cup.
Please keep in mind that while it is a safe option for menstrual cup sterilisation, a UV sterilizer can reduce the lifespan of your menstrual cup and cause the silicone to become sticky and unusable over time.
Do not use your cup if you notice any damage to the silicone.
4. Steam sterilisation for menstrual cups
A great alternative method for cup sterilisation is using a steam sterilizer. Designed to be portable, a steam sterilizer simply requires you to fill it up with tap water.
The steam produced will kill 99% of bacteria on your menstrual cup and make it completely safe for you to use.
Please note, we have not tested the Asan cup with steam sterilizers or UV sterilizers from other brands, so we can’t be 100% sure of the efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to boil my menstrual cup every time I empty it?
No, not at all. You only need to sterilize your cup at the start and end of your period. During your period, you can simply empty the cup, rinse it with tap water and reinsert it.
Is sterilizing my menstrual cup in cold water okay?
Unfortunately cleaning your cup with cold water is not sufficient for sterilisation as heat is required to kill bacteria.
Is sterilizing my menstrual cup with rubbing alcohol okay?
While alcohol is used in many disinfection products, it cannot be used to sterilize your menstrual cup. It may damage the silicone and harm your body when you insert your menstrual cup.
Can I use soap to sterilize my menstrual cup?
No, please don’t use any soap to sterilize your cup - as that can damage the silicone and disrupt the pH levels of your vagina.
Is sterilizing my menstrual cup in the microwave okay?
No, please don’t put your menstrual cup in the microwave as this can damage it.
Instead what you can do is bring your water to boil in a cup using a microwave, and then drop your cup in for 5-10 minutes.
Is sterilizing my menstrual cup with hydrogen peroxide okay?
Hydrogren peroxide is an antiseptic liquid that is used to treat skin wounds and kill germs. It cannot be used to sterilize your menstrual cup as it can cause irritation to your skin.
Is sterilizing my menstrual cup in the dishwasher safe?
No, you can’t sterilize your cup in the dishwasher. Dishwashing liquid can contain chemicals that are harmful for the cup and your body.
